Denture Care Do’s and Don’ts

If you wear dentures, proper cleaning and storage is a must.
If you wear dentures, proper cleaning and storage is a must.

More than 40% of Arizonans 18 and older have had permanent teeth extracted – and 10% of Arizonans 65 and older have had all of their teeth extracted, according to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Here are a few tips for denture wearers:

  • Cleaning: Full and partial dentures should be removed and cleaned every day. It’s best to use a brush and cleanser that are specifically designed for cleaning dentures, not your regular toothpaste. You should also avoid cleansers that are too harsh or abrasive. If you have a partial denture, remove it before brushing your natural teeth. Don’t clean or sterilize any denture in boiling water – it could result in damage to the device.
  • Storage: When not wearing dentures, keep them in a safe place, out of reach of curious children and playful pets. Soak them in a cleansing solution or water.

Whether you have a partial denture, a full set of dentures, a bridge, or implants, continue to see your dentist regularly. He or she can make sure that everything continues to fit comfortably and properly.

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Sandi Perez
Sandi Ernst Perez, Ph.D., joined Delta Dental of Arizona in 2006 and has a dual role as vice president of community benefit and executive director of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation. A champion for the mouth-body connection in health and wellness, she works to fulfill the Foundation's mission to improve the oral health of underserved and uninsured populations across the state by educating the public, increasing awareness and providing grants, leadership and technical assistance. Originally from Ohio, she has lived in Arizona since 1992 with her husband, two children (one still in braces) and four rescue dogs. That translates into 296 teeth to take care of! [Editor's Note: Sandi is no longer a current DDAZ employee.]